County Government

Most states are divided into counties.  Counties vary in size and population, but each provides services for the people who live there.  One city in each county is chosen to be the county seat.  This is the center of government for that county, and the county building is located there.  Many of the county offices are in this building.

Learn more about your county by answering the questions below.

1. How many counties are in your state? _________________________________
   
   
2. What is the name of your county? ____________________________________
   
   
3. Why was it given that name? _________________________________________
   
   
4. When was your county established? ____________________________________
   
   
5. Where is your county seat? ___________________________________________
   
   
6. Find out who your county officials are and write their names in the spaces below each job description.
   
   Sheriff-- enforces the law
   _________________________________________________________________
   
   County clerk-- keeps records of births, deaths, marriages, and court actions
   _________________________________________________________________
   
   County treasurer-- handles the county's money and pays the bills
   _________________________________________________________________
   
   Register of deeds-- keeps records of land ownership
   _________________________________________________________________
   
   
7. Other people may hold important jobs in your county government.  Read the list below and put a check in the space if your county has that position.
   ______ Prosecuting attorney-- the county's lawyer
   ______ Coroner or medical examiner-- investigates deaths
   ______ Road commissioner-- takes care of county roads
   ______ Circuit court judge-- settles criminal cases
   ______ Probate court judge-- helps settle non-criminal cases
   
   
8. List other jobs that are part of your county government but are not mentioned on this sheet. _______________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________

Courtesy of the Warren County Historical Society